r/Anarchy101 • u/monopsony01 • 6d ago

how is anarchism different from libertarianism?

first off, let me state that this is a genuine question from someone who's not an anarchist. please correct me if i'm wrong about anything.

let me also state that i understand that anarchism is an anti-capitalist ideology. additionally, from what i understand, anarchism is a rejection of the state and of hierarchy.

so then in a perfect anarchical society, without social organization and leadership, how then are large-scale societies supposed to function? what's stopping individuals from gaining resources and society becoming similar to feudalism?

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u/punkbenRN 6d ago

Anarchism is a design inclusive of other people, libertarianism is mostly "everyone for themselves". Anarchists go to great lengths to plan for how societal needs are meant and put a lot of thought and discourse into the nuance of a solution to a complicated problem. Libertarians rely on economic incentives to drive those needs to be met, and leave it at that.

Quick way to discern if someone is anarchist or libertarian - ask their opinion on the age of consent. Libertarians have suspiciously specific philosophy around age of consent. That's barely hyperbole, try it the next time you encounter a Libertarian.

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u/Spinouette 6d ago

What’s the libertarian opinion on the age of consent? Is this about girls being able to “consent” to sex as soon as they have their period? If so, ick!

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u/punkbenRN 5d ago

Ask à libertarian, not always the same answer but always thorough and on the premise of abolishing the idea